Secondary Education Teacher Certification
This teaching certificate emphasizes the integration of content knowledge, educational theory, and practice within appropriate teaching contexts leading to teaching license/certification in a content area. Candidates who meet the requirements for the teaching license/certification will complete the program below in nine terms, including the completion of the pre-professional term (8th term) and Student Teaching (9th term). No other courses may be taken during the Student Teaching term. Candidates must meet all criteria for admission into, and completion of, the Teacher Education Program, including the required admission Written Assessment and the Exit Portfolio. In order to be certified to teach, this certification must be paired with a major in one of the following disciplines: biology, chemistry, English, history, mathematics, physics, or technology and applied design.
Teacher Certification Requirements
Teaching Certification in a content area is achieved by completion of the following requirements (including portfolios), in addition to the General Education and electives required for a degree:
Required Core Courses
Students should note that EDS 338 is the appropriate selection for Biology, Chemistry, Math, Physics, and Technology and Applied Design majors. EDS 339 is the appropriate selection for English and History majors.
| EDS 150 | Int-Ed:Think About Lrng,Tchg | 1 Course Credit |
| EDS 228 | Adolescent Dev & School Struct | 1 Course Credit |
| EDS 325 | Methds I: Gen Methds H. School | 1 Course Credit |
| EDS 338 | Methds II STEM Disciplines | 1 Course Credit |
| | or | |
| EDS 339 | Methds II Teachg in Humanities | 1 Course Credit |
| EDS 346 | Literacy in the Context Area | 1 Course Credit |
| EDS 349 | Education and Culture | 1 Course Credit |
| EDS 479 | MethdsIII Learning & Assessmnt | 1 Course Credit |
Required Pre-Professional and Professional Term Courses
| EDS 480 | Stdts with Special Needs - Sec | 1 Course Credit |
| EDS 481 | Student Teaching Seminar:P-12,5-12,8-12 | 1 Course Credit |
| EDS 482 | Student Teaching:P-12,5-12,8-12 | 3 Course Credits |
| EDS 484 | Capstone Teaching Practicum | 1/2 Course Credit |
Note: The Pre-Professional term courses EDS 480 and EDS 484 are structured to take place in the Spring term (generally a student's 8th term). The professional term courses EDS 481 and EDS 482 are structured to take place in the Fall term (generally a student's 9th term).
Required Collateral Course for students seeking secondary mathematics teaching certification
| MAT 308 | Teaching of Mathematics | 1 Course Credit |
Exploring Teaching Certification – Students will begin teacher certification with EDS 150 (see course sequencing below). Because students in EDS 150 will begin participating in P-12 field experiences, they must complete a state criminal records clearance during the class. After completion of EDS 150, students will be assigned a secondary advisor in Education Studies who will begin working with them their sophomore year.
Requirements for Formal Admission to a Teacher Education Program (TEP) – Grades of C or higher in EDS 150 and B- or higher in one other EDS course (preferably EDS 227, EDS 228, MUS 118B or HHP 125); a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 or 3.00 in the past 30 credit hours (equals approximately seven and a half full credit classes from Berea College); and demonstration of appropriate qualities of judgment, disposition, and temperament in classroom and field settings. Candidates seeking teaching certification, together with their advisors, will also construct a well-developed Curriculum Plan. For additional requirements, also see “Requirements for All Students Seeking Certification” for information about the TEP, Student Teaching, and Recommendation for Certification.
Please see: Education-Studies
Course Sequencing Considerations (in order to complete teacher certification requirements within nine terms) – Students planning to seek teacher certification while majoring in a content area are encouraged to take EDS 150 in the second term of the first year, but no later than the first term of the sophomore year. (EDS 150 is offered each Fall term and multiple sections of EDS 150 are offered each Spring term.) Students will take courses in this approximate sequence leading up to the Pre-Professional 8th term and Student Teaching in the 9th term: EDS 228, EDS 325, EDS 338, EDS 339, EDS 346, EDS 349. Courses to be taken in the Pre-Professional term, which will be the Spring Term of the senior year are EDS 480 and EDS 484. Student Teaching will take place in the 9th term (Fall). Throughout their preparation, students should seek to make connections between each of their General Education courses and their professional preparation as teachers.
Proficiency Requirements for Retention in and Completion of Teacher Certification – Students must meet all criteria for admission and retention at each stage of the Teacher Education Program. (See "Requirements for all Students Seeking Certification".) In addition to completing specified course requirements, required admission to the department and to student teaching, and the required written assessments, portfolios, and performance assessment, each student must satisfy departmental standards for written and oral communication, demonstrated through the portfolio and course work; and demonstrate appropriate qualities of judgment, disposition, and temperament in classroom and field settings.
Other Considerations and Recommendations – Transfer students should contact Education Studies as early as possible because special rules may apply. Throughout their preparation, candidates for teacher certification are expected to seek out rich and substantive experiences with students of the ages they plan to teach beyond those associated with education courses. Such activities include Students for Appalachia-related service work (e.g., One-on-One Tutoring), working with after-school programs, volunteering in schools, or summer camp experiences.